In the News
May 1, 2013 –
A key to success
In a race there’s an advantage to getting off to a great start.
And the local United Way also believes a great start in life can lead to big advantages later on as well.
That’s why the United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington started up the Success By 6 program 11 years ago to provide children, from conception to six-years-old, all that they need to be successful once they enter the school system.
“The main focus is to ensure that people in our community are aware of how important the early years are,” said Bhavana Varma, president and CEO of the United Way. “Anything we can do before kids get to school will make a difference in the long run.”
This year Success By 6 Week will be celebrated May 4-12 and 140 events for children and their caregivers have been planned around Kingston and the rest of the agency’s catchment area.
This year the week is offering different events under six categories: physical and learning activities, environment, entertainment, drop-in and play groups.
All the activities are free or low-cost. Some of the events include storytimes, crafts, physical activities, such as swimming and skating, French programs, games and music, to name a few.
Established in 2002, the program tries to increase public awareness about the importance of early childhood learning and care.
According to the United Way the time from a child’s conception to age six is a period of crucial development. During this time the child’s physical growth, emotional attachments, attitudes, behaviours, language and motor skills develop.
To keep the program going the United Way seeks financial sources from foundations, businesses, special events, and all levels of government.
Some of the funding also comes from the United Way’s fall fundraising.
But because of the amount of community sponsorship and the donation of goods and services the program is inexpensive to run.
“Success by 6 doesn’t cost a lot of money because the events are free and everyone comes together and offers their services, programs and fun events,” said Varma.
Brenda Hunter, the director of education for the Limestone District School Board, said the program is starting to show results.
“We know that all the attention that we bring to early years and to their development, assimilation and exposure to all kinds of learning opportunities enhances their ability to do well later in life,” she said before a meeting of United Way council members on Tuesday at the Family and Children’s Services building on Division Street.
“A great head start is one of the most important things we can do for our kids and the more awareness it can bring to parents caregivers, the public at large and agencies the better off we’ll all be.”
FACT BOX
Six pursuits of Success By 6
- Bright from the Start – Promoting healthy births to ensure pregnant women receive all the necessary services to have the healthiest babies possible.
- Handle With Care – Protecting children from abuse and neglect.
- No Place Like Home – Supporting families and neighbours regardless of social or economic factors so children to learn and grow in a safe and stimulating environment.
- Putting Children First – Creating a “child friendly” community in which everyone contributes to the healthy early development of children.
- – From Head to Toe – Promoting healthy early development and to prevent disease and disability.
- Ready, Set,Go! – Promoting school readiness and early learning so that children enter school with the cognitive, social and emotional maturity to get along with others and are ready to learn.
Source: Ian MacAlpine, Kingston Whig-Standard
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